Loyalhannah
Class I-II
| Level: 3.2'-5.3'
@ Kingston Dam |
Accuweather
Ligonier, PA |
Topographic Maps
Compliments of Andy
Note: Save to disc and print as a JPEG file on an
8.5" by 11" sheet of paper
This was a trip I've wanted to do for a couple of years now. It turned out to be great! I arrived early that day (3-15-03) So, I decided to scout the creek from the road (Rt. 30) My first thought was that this is gonna be rough. It looked like continuous rapids, some with rocks blocking the approach. However, it turned out to be easier than I thought. We put in at a conservancy area across from the Giant Eagle on Rt. 30 in Ligonier. The stream was attracting attention, due to the fact that it was gonna be stocked that day. Delayed harvest fishing was permitted. Also talked to a conservation officer about the time he took a Grumman down the stretch. He warned us of a 5 foot drop "Buttermilk Falls" We were already thinking about running it. Anyway, we proceeded downstream. The first part of the run was calm with a couple of easy rapids. We passed through Idlewild Park and continued towards Darlington. I came up on a horizon line and eddied out on river left. It didn't look like the ledge could be scouted from the bank. Next, Nick proceeded with caution and dropped over. Around the bend, the next ledge became evident. Doug passed first and ended up out of the boat. He got the the bank quickly. Neither ledge seemed that big. So what I would like to know is: are one of these called "Buttermilk Falls"? It looks like on the topo map that Buttermilk Falls may be the name of a town on river left above the ledges.
Click on link below photo for full size image
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| Doug running the
first ledge Nice job! |
Second ledge |
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| Swamped! |
On the bank, we discussed the next rapid. We saw it from the road prior to the run (downstream side of the bridge that crosses Rt. 30) It looked like the approach had several channels. Scout on river right immediately after the bridge pier. Start center then head towards river right and ride out a long rapid with a large wave in the midst. This was the most technical on the run. The rest of the run offers frequent rapids with little difficulty. Portage low water bridge and take out before Kingston Dam. (6.9 Miles)
Gauge was at 4.3' (Great Level)
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| Andy in action | Nick in action |
